Friday, January 29, 2010

update

It has been far too long since I posted something on the old blog. Since my last post Xmas and New Years has come and gone, we've made new friends, and we've refound own rhythms. That all being said, a brief update on the church plant is on order. As I've written about before, we are partnering w/ Mosaic (http://mosaicnw.com/), a church here in Bellingham. Mosaic is bursting at the seams w/ people. So this month they started a 2nd evening gathering, which will help alleviate growth (in theory). The evening gathering also serve as a place for me to be seen more in leadership, preaching, and a place where we can promote church plant stuff, in hopes of gathering a launch team. I am super stoked about it. If your in the area Mosaic meet at the Majestic on Forest St. on Sundays from 10am -12pm, and now 5pm -7pm. Come hungry!

I've also become a board member of the Happy Valley Neighborhood Association this month. My hope is that this will be a place of partnership for service projects in the hood w/ the church, and a place to make new friends. Related to this, I've applied again for an Americorp grant doing community development. Whether I get the grant or not, I'm going to "do" the project I have in mind. I'm convinced that in my populated neighborhood there a numerous people who share the same passions or concerns, but don't know each other. My idea is to survey the neighborhood for assets and concerns. Then look at the data and begin getting people together who w/ common interests and then act! I think it's a great idea for community development/organization.

Our different small groups continue to grow in depth. We have a Bible study at our home on Mondays nights, a guys pub night Wednesdays, a men's Bible study at lunch on Fridays, any random parties. I am encouraged. As I look at all these relationships, I am beginning to wonder if God is bringing His church together. I'm wondering if it is time to turn the corner, and invite people to join us to a season. It feels premature right now, but I am praying about it, and chiseling down the vision for the church.

I want the church to be a place where folks are known and can share their laughter and struggles, where we move together in our pursuit of prayer, and where folks and get their hands dirty serving their neighbors. That's what we're moving toward, and this is where we're at. We appreciate your prayers on our behalf. Let me know how i can prayer for you too!